It is much more common with smartphones. I was never very social and before smartphones when I went to see a show or have dinner, I would always have a paperback in my back pocket and read it between sets or while waiting for food. But I was the exception - usually the only person in the bar reading rather than socializing, and one of a few at a restaurant. Now it isn't uncommon for most people to be on their phones in public.
It is much more common with smartphones. I was never very social and before smartphones when I went to see a show or have dinner, I would always have a paperback in my back pocket and read it between sets or while waiting for food. But I was the exception - usually the only person in the bar reading rather than socializing, and one of a few at a restaurant. Now it isn't uncommon for most people to be on their phones in public.
You had to be literate to use those, which wasn't that common in ye olden days.